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Best smart watch for connected health: The 2022 guide
How to buy a smart watch for your health?Here is our 2020 best smart watch guide to help you find the best smart health connected watch: Everything you need to know to choose the smartwatch that suits your needs
What is a smart watch?
The last few years have seen the emergence of various gadgets which, although miniaturized, are very efficient and practical.
The smart watch is a perfect example of these new kind companions who are used to improve our quality of life.
The concept is to offer innovative functions while keeping the design of classic watches.
This most often results in a perceptible resemblance between smart watches and traditional ones.
But the similarities stop at the physical level, because these latest generation gadgets go further than their peers.
Smart watch, a real little computer.As its name suggests, the smart health watch is a watch that is worn on the wrist and embeds wireless communication technology.
The latter offers the possibility of remote synchronization with a mobile terminal, generally a PC, smartphone or tablet.
The pairing between the two entities (the watch and the terminal) is most often done via Bluetooth.
More complete than a smart health connected bracelet, the smart health connected watch has a larger surface, allowing it to transmit more information and offer a more intuitive user experience.
The smart health watch generally comes with a design that takes the same lines as a classic watch model:
bracelet (in leather, plastic, metal etc.)
and a unit with the display screen.
The latter can be condemned to the bracelet or be removable.
A closure system also allows you to wear it as you wish.
In short, the design of the smart watch overall resembles that of these fashion accessories. The smart watch is one of them.
As such, between different models, there are differences in the design, but also and above all in the choice of materials.
This criterion is particularly essential and greatly conditions the wearing comfort of the gadget.
In leather, in plastic, at chrome dial or any other metal, the choice offered to you is vast.
Your tastes will certainly find satisfaction, since the manufacturers are making a big effort as regards wearing comfort.
A lot of brands have embarked on the design of these smart health connected objects:
Mykronoz (with mykronoz zesplash),
Pebble (with its pebble time and its pebble steel),
Withings (with its pop activity withings),
Sony (with smartwatch 3 SWR50),
Apple (with its apple watch series 5),
Tag heuer (with its tag heuer connected),
Asus (with Zenwatch 2),
Samsung (with its Gear S2, Gear S3 or the galaxy gear),
LG (with its LG watch),
Huawei (with its active Huawei watch).
This tells you the public's enthusiasm for this new object.
The smart health connected watch generally plays the role of activity or sleep sensor. ((find here all the watches that have both an activity and sleep sensor)
Its architecture is optimized to ensure use in all possible conditions:
She accompanies, for example, during hiking, training or fitness sessions in the gym.
Thus, its design is subject to anti-sweat or splash treatment.
The other aspect that manufacturers are looking at is the water resistance. ((by clicking on this link you will see the list of watches that have waterproof)
Most of these smart gadgets thus claim a sealing evaluated in ATM / m (where ATM = atmosphere and m = meter).
This indicator has a correlation with the resistance of the watch to pressure (expressed in Bar). We can also take inspiration from it to make projections on the watch's ability to withstand accidental shocks.
The smartwatch takes on board sensors and accelerometers whose sensitivity determines the reliability of the data it provides.
In terms of data, you can collect the number of steps that you have done, the distance traveled, the exercise time physical activity, duration and phases of your sleep.
The smart health watch can also measure your heartbeat, allows you to receive and make calls, messages and to have notifications various without having to take out your smartphone or tablet.
The information collected can be displayed directly on the watch screen or viewed using a mobile application. ((the full list of smartwatches with a heart rate sensor is accessible with this link).
Smart watches and health: what features are really useful?
Connected smart watches are becoming more and more functional, notably linked to the analysis of health data. Are these really relevant?
The smartwatches saw the enthusiasm that accompanied their arrival diminish. Manufacturers, however, continue to improve their models, whether Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch and other Amazfit. Thus, it is at the level of applications and functionalities relating to health that connected watches are developing.
An electrocardiogram to measure cardiac activity
Among the health features offered by some connected watches is the ECG, namely the electrocardiogram, which measures the electrical activity of the heart. Already on Apple and Withings smartwatches, this feature would have already saved lives by identifying a cardiac arrhythmia.
The interest of these connected watches is then to prevent possible disorders relating to cardiac activity. The smartwatch indeed warns its user via a notification. This scenario has been observed several times around the world, proof that this function has its relevance.
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Blood pressure measurement, a feature on Samsung smart health watches
In addition to the ECG offered by some connected watches, users can also benefit from measuring their blood pressure. This is particularly the case with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active, presented in February at the World Mobile Congress. Thanks to this measure, it is thus possible to prevent possible hypertension.
The fact remains that this relatively recent model has not yet been the subject of full feedback in terms of this functionality. The relevance and quality of the proposed results have therefore not yet been really studied. We must therefore remain cautious about the effectiveness of this tool.
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Evaluating your blood sugar: a possibility with Apple Watches
Apple’s smartwatches, which already have a number of health features, should be further enhanced. The connected watches from the Cupertino company could in particular allow diabetics to monitor their blood sugar. Apple is indeed in partnership with the giant DexCom, which specializes in the development of equipment aimed at offering continuous monitoring of glucose levels.
While this is a priority issue in terms of public health, this partnership between the two giants is most promising. Once again, technology is thus in tune with health issues.
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Sleep quality and physical activity: daily monitoring
If the functions of ECG and measurement of blood pressure or blood sugar level remain very specific, other functions are generalized on connected watches. This is particularly the case with sleep and physical activity monitoring. Although sometimes approximate at these levels, smartwatches allow users to measure the distances traveled, calories burned, and their heart rate during exercise in particular.
Without being rigorously precise, these are nevertheless fairly interesting indicators for sports enthusiasts wishing to observe their overall development.
Symbol of many fantasies, notably generated by science fiction films somewhat futuristic in their time, the connected watch tends to diversify its functionalities. Halfway between a classic watch, a medical assistant and a connected bracelet for sportsmen, the smartwatch aims to establish itself as a real daily companion. However, it is necessary to benefit from a suitable package in order to use it. While some of them have an eSIM card, like Xiaomi's Amazfit Verge 2, others can simply take advantage of a bluetooth connection.
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Android Wear compatible models
Watch in Android WearAn Android watch is a smartwatch whose integrated application system is that of Google.
The latter is precisely a version suitable for smart health bracelet.
Referred to as Android Wear, this software that comes with several models, acts as a standard system.
Indeed, as for smartphones, the vast majority of manufacturers positioned in the niche of smartwatches choose to use Android Wear to run their gadget.
Apart from big names like LG, samsung or Motorola watches, this Google signed system is found in many smartwatches of Chinese origin: SmartWatch, Asus ZenWatch, etc.
So in terms of the number of users, watches smart health connected with Android Wear clearly hold their heads in front of their counterparts working with the operating system of the Cupertino company, Apple, which is called watchOS.
The choice offered in this niche of objects smart health connected under Android is very vast and will satisfy all your needs.
As smart gadgets are particularly widespread, manufacturers are working to stand out, with models that display ever more interesting sales arguments.
They bring special touches in terms of design, but also in terms of ergonomics.
Endless applications
Smart watches have the advantage of providing you with miniature experiences that will fulfill all your desires.
For this purpose, the Android Wear watch system, like its predecessor for smartphones, provides access to thousands of applications.
Instant messaging, multimedia, utility and other applications, you will find everything you need.
Compatibility with Android and iOS
The Android Wear operating system, and therefore the smart watches it runs, is perfectly compatible with your Android and iOS devices.
More specifically, if your smartphone or tablet works with Android, from version 4.3, or else with iOS 8.3 or higher, you can use it with your smart health connected watch in Android Wear.
You can therefore quickly switch between the two devices via wireless communication technology, most often Bluetooth.
From this moment, the possibilities offered to you are vast and depend on the functionalities supported by your smartwatch.
Among other things, your gadget can allow you to receive various notifications in real time.
Also, it is possible to browse your playlists while reading with ease.
The smart health connected watch on iOS
Its name leaves no doubt: the smart health connected watchon iOS is a smart health watch whose operating system is iOS, developed by Apple.
Designed to provide a miniature experience of this famous software environment, this software runs the smartwatches of the firm of Cupertino.
A market analysis shows the preponderant place occupied by iOS smart health connected watches called Apple Watch.
Smart health connected watch on iOS Apple Smart Watch
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Smart watches on iOS: a pledge of aesthetics ... but above all of reliability
Apple has based its reputation on the well thought out design of its products: MAC, iPhone or iPad.
We therefore recognize the imprint of the manufacturer with the careful finishes of each of its mobile terminals, as well as their ergonomics which perfectly adapt to the current aspirations of consumers, sometimes even a step ahead of them.
Watches smart health connected to iOS are no exception and add to its brand features, a miniature experience.
So the Apple Watch present in all their versions optimized dimensions to guarantee real comfort of port.
In the same vein, the American giant chooses the manufacturing materials with the greatest care.
All in an architecture that remains faithful to the touch of elegance which we recognize Apple from these famous MACs.
However, the Cupertino company was never limited to the physical aspect.
Its excellent terminals therefore by their performances are above average.
This quite naturally implies that these are more expensive smartwatches, however worth their price.
Realizing the perfect compromise between aesthetic and performance, the Apple Watches are therefore suitable for high-tech lovers.
They offer the classic functions found in the vast majority of models available on the market.
The advantage here is the high accuracy of the data obtained.
This is made possible thanks to the integration of high performance sensors.
As a result, your watch provides you with reliable data that accurately reflects your physical activity.
smart health connected watches monitoring your performance during your exercises and keep you motivated about your goals.
With these gadgets, the promise is to stay in top shape and feel good about yourself.
In addition, like any smart health bracelet worthy of the name, an iOS watch is able to provide you with notifications instantly on your wrist.
In addition to the features highlighted above, you benefit from several possibilities, made possible by the compatibility that your Apple Watch displays with a multitude of mobile health and multimedia applications.
Watches with integrated telephone function
The watch with integrated telephone function is the perfect example of the smart companion that completely frees you from your smartphone.
This gadget is therefore particularly practical for those who are constantly on the move.
Better, it appears as a perfect companion for regulars of public transport where the risks of theft are high.
Likewise, you can use it while cooking or while driving.
The watch with phone function offers features that are generally found in smartwatches on the market.
All the difference is in the presence of a slot for a SIM card who supports telephone functions and ensures perfect autonomy.
This allows the gadget to connect to the network without going through a mobile terminal.
You can find all connected health smart watches that can integrate a SIM cardby following this link.
The smart watch with telephone function
The integrated telephone function: classic with just a SIM card slot?
We can say yes because the smart health connected watch with phone function (the Gear S2 from Samsung for example) does not have any notable features, to compare with the other models in terms of design.
After this detail, real-time monitoring of physical activity and sleep is also possible when you have this kind of gadget.
You also won't miss important notifications, which instantly reach your wrist.
As noted above, the novelty lies in the presence of a SIM card port.
By inserting the chip into it, it makes your smart health connected watch a fully-fledged phone (or almost).
This type of smartwatch incorporating the phone function allows you to make, but also receive calls.
Regarding the second option, manufacturers equip their watch with a loud speaker and a microphone, allowing you to communicate with the caller.
In addition, when you receive incoming calls, you can read the contact name on the screen, and depending on whether the watch allows it, you can see their photo.
For smart health connected calls, some smart health connected watches with integrated telephone function offer a intuitive dialing by voice command, while others require entry of the number to call through their touchscreen.
However, you can associate your smartwatch with a smartphone, from which dialing will be carried out.
In addition, it is useful to note that the telephone function supported by these types of smart health connected watches is somewhat energy intensive.
This probably justifies the reluctance of some manufacturers to position themselves on this market.
Significant improvements are nevertheless driven by the Android Wear operating system, which increases the autonomy of SIM card smartwatches.
Smart health connected watch with pedometer function
The pedometer function is a classic of smart health connected bracelets.
Therefore, it is not misused to qualify almost all smartwatches as a smart health connected watch with pedometer function.
A pedometer is an instrument used to quantify the number of steps taken.
In clear terms, it counts each step taken by its user.
Taking into account the impact between the efforts provided (here materialized by the steps taken) and the melting of calories, having a watch incorporating the pedometer function is useful for anyone wishing to be able to follow their line or simply maintain themselves in perfect shape.
Smart health connected watch with pedometer functionFollowing the aspirations of consumers, who are more and more attentive to this precious indicator, manufacturers are developing smart health connected watches that offer increasingly reliable data.
A watch with a pedometer function is therefore an intelligent tool which, thanks to its technical characteristics, ensures precise and realistic counting of each step you take.
Worn on the wrist throughout the day, this type of smartwatch displays on its screen the number of steps taken, whether it is a climb of stairs or a linear distance traveled.
The pedometer function: measurement mechanics
A smart health connected watch with pedometer function is equipped with a accelerometer which calculates the steps.
However, for more precise measurements, the manufacturers associate with this accelerometer a gyroscope who scrutinizes every move you make, so you don't miss a single step.
The integration of an algorithm ensures the interpretation of all your gestures and translates them into steps.
In the same line, you can thus make a estimate of the distance you have traveled during the whole day.
In addition, for this kind of smart health connected watch with pedometer function, a GPS system which will be used for navigation (see our article on the usefulness of a GPS for a smart health connected watch).
Very practical, this optional function exempts you from using your phone to find your way. Find all watches with GPS by clicking on this link.
The heartbeat function
To benefit from further monitoring of your physical activity, have a watch smart health connected with pulse function is a great idea.
This type of watch has the advantage of measuring and providing clinical data relating to the functioning of the heart.
In the past, the functionality of heart activity analysis were mainly found in smartwatches intended for the practice of sport (designed by equipment manufacturers such as Garmin).
Today, manufacturers, to meet public expectations and provide a more useful touch, integrate the pulsation function.
Apple, DigiCare, Epson or Motorola, several brands have this very practical function in their gadgets.
The smart health connected watch with heart rate function Pulsation watches are for this equipped with a sensor, most often visible on the back.
Thanks to the permanent contact of the latter with your skin, the smart health connected health gadget accurately indicates your heart rate, your pulse, at rest or in full activity.
The point here is to make sure you are doing the exercises at the right intensity.
This allows you to perform your physical exercises in a healthy way, without asking the body for more than you need.
The margin of error for the data entered varies depending on the manufacturer.
The Apple Watch and the Motorola Moto 360 are for example equipped with a heart rate monitoring which ensures reliable information.
Synchronizing this category of smartwatch with dedicated mobile applications gives you the possibility to follow the state of your heart in real time, thanks to graphs and statistics.
Better still, manufacturers are banking on an advisory approach, aimed at raising awareness of good practices that can help keep this precious organ in the best possible condition.
Question and answer sections are thus available from the app interface.
Watches with pulsation function also offer the classic functionalities found in smart bracelets sold on the market: whether sleep monitoring or physical activity control, with the indication of the number of steps, the distance traveled, calories consumed, etc.
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The three types of smart health connected watches
Gear 2 Samsung: the complementary smartwatch of the smartphone LG G Watch Urbane 4G: The fully autonomous smart health connected watch Nevo by NevoWatch: The more “classic” watches with hands
A very popular gadget, the smart health connected watch is on everyone's lips and more and more manufacturers are investing in this sector.
If the idea of miniaturization in itself seems interesting, we often criticize these smart health connected bracelets for not bringing great innovations.
The offer is still as rich in models, but to see it closely, the features do not really evolve.
On the market, there are three main families of smart health connected watches whose applications are well defined.
The smartphone complementary watch
It is a smartwatch which, as the name suggests, is used with a smartphone. It associates with the latter by means of wireless communication technology, Bluetooth. So you have the ability to access a variety of information and features from your wrist. This type of smart health connected watch provides you with notifications various: calls, SMS, social media and many others. He embarks a built-in speaker and one microphone which allows you to receive calls, but also issue. Likewise, you can take advantage of the functionality of speech Recognition for example to make calls. There are several other options available to you, including access to a multitude of mobile applications. The Samsung Gear 2 and the Apple Watch are two flagship models of smart watches that complement the smartphone.
The completely autonomous smart health connected watch
It’s a watch that doesn’t need a smartphone to work.
It supports a 3G / 4G SIM card which allows you to access the network directly.
This kind of smartwatch allows you to receive and make calls, regardless of a mobile terminal.
In addition, you receive real-time notifications (social networks, calendar events, etc.).
You can also get useful data such as number of steps taken, the distance traveled.
The sleep tracking and its quality is also possible with this kind of gadget.
The Samsung Gear S2 and LG G Watch Urbane 4G are a few models that can be used independently.
The “classics” with needles
In order not to miss the advent of smart health connected watches, several traditional watchmakers have entered this market.
Their models retain a classic dimension, with the presence of a needle dial.
At first glance, it is therefore difficult to suspect that it is a smart health watch, the striking resemblance is so striking.
Retail past, these models incorporate sensors who support their smart health watch functions.
The only difference between smart watches and hands is their more aesthetic, more elegant design.
As such, you will have a wide choice of materials ranging from plastic to steel.
The brands offering these types are among others Withings (Withings Activity), Nevo (NevoWatch), or renowned watchmakers like Breitling or Frédérique Constant.
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